From the first moment that you walk up to the counter at Randy’s Compounding Pharmacy, you realize ‘this place is different.’
Sure, it’s located inside a grocery store – Ralph’s Thriftway to be specific – but that’s where the similarities to traditional retail pharmacies end.
Typical over-the-counter medications that line the shelves in retail pharmacies are nowhere to be found. Instead, there is a pleasing display of antique pharmacy equipment and a wide array of professional-line nutritional health supplements and vitamins.
“At Randy’s Compounding Pharmacy, we customize medications unique to the individual,” states owner and Registered Pharmacist Brad Livingstone.
For example, commercial hormone replacement therapies are available in 1mg tablets. Livingstone describes how a client may actually need 1.1mg to be effective. Therefore, a 1mg prescription is too little and 2mg is too much. “A person may not need a 100% increase to get an effective dose,” he states.
Instead, people visit Randy’s Compounding Pharmacy to learn about alternatives, such as the use of bio-identical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT), which is the use of hormones that are identical to those produced by the body.
As a starting point, Livingstone consults with the client.
“We take the time to sit down and talk with our clients. We are here to problem solve and learn more about a client’s symptoms so that we can blend together the proper amounts of active ingredients,” describes Livingstone.
During a consultation, which can occur in the store or over the phone, Livingstone, or pharmacist Mary Lindberg, talk with the client about the disease, symptoms, and current medications.
They also consider the client’s age, conduct a general health assessment, note skin quality, and for some medications consider race.
At the end of the consultation, Livingstone makes a recommendation. “I will then communicate with the client’s doctor and develop a customized treatment plan.”
All prescriptions are made from scratch. Livingstone uses specialized training, methods and equipment to measure ingredients accurately to ensure consistent quality, potency, and effectiveness.
“To compound prescriptions, you must understand how the ingredient works and its chemical properties. It requires a lot of knowledge about chemistry, pharmacology, physiology and delivery systems to treat a condition successfully and safely,” he adds while stressing that the pharmacy complies with all state and federal regulations.
“My job is to accurately create an effective treatment so our client can reach their health goals with minimal risk,” summarizes Livingstone.
For example, Livingstone works with clients that are concerned about nutrient depletion. “Many women don’t realize that birth control medications deplete the body of certain nutrients and vitamins. They come in to find answers on why they are still feeling terrible,” comments Livingstone.
To solve this side effect, Livingstone will recommend a focused blend of vitamins and minerals.
During the discussion, Livingstone stresses that compounding is a process. “We start down a road and then the client gives feedback on what’s working or not working. This feedback is critical to the direction of our course,” he describes.
He also works with clients with very intricate treatments for a complex disease. “These clients require more thorough follow-up, customization, and tenacity”
Randy’s Compounding Pharmacy is also popular for vet prescriptions and supplements. The pharmacy also compounds many medications for local dentists and makes oral preparations. Persons requiring assistance with sensitivities to additives, chronic and acute pain, autism-spectrum disorders, GI disorders, lactation problems, depression, anxiety, metabolic disease, thyroid disorders, head lice, and wound care (to name a few) also turn to Randy’s Compounding Pharmacy.
Livingstone’s knowledgeable team is well versed on nutritional supplements and alternatives to traditional medications. Randy’s Compounding Pharmacy carries only the finest, natural professional-line nutritional supplements that you won’t find in a big box store. Even better, they also make local deliveries and mail prescriptions and supplements state-wide.
“We are able to really have a thorough conversation with clients and providers about their concerns and make solid recommendations,” he says. “We have a lot of expertise plus the resources needed to research and find answers.”
“Having a client come back and say ‘you made a difference’ – well, it’s just the most rewarding part of my role in their health,” says Livingstone.
Randy’s Compounding Pharmacy
Inside Ralph’s Thriftway
1908 East 4th Ave
Olympia, WA 98506
Monday – Friday 9:00am – 6:00 pm
360.491.0607
www.randyscompoundingpharmacy.com
